Three Effortless Spring Escapes Under Three Hours From London
With March bringing the first real hint of spring, London starts to feel lighter. The afternoons stretch a little longer, café terraces begin to reappear, and the urge to escape — even briefly — becomes difficult to ignore.
Fortunately, some of Europe’s most captivating destinations sit just a short flight from the capital. Within three hours, Rome, Saint-Tropez and Portugal’s Algarve offer culture, coast and early sunshine in equal measure — alongside some of the continent’s most enchanting hotels.
If winter feels like it has overstayed its welcome, consider this your sign to book.
Rome, Italy
Approx. 2h 30m flight
March in the Eternal City is quietly glorious. With average temperatures hovering around 16°C, Rome sheds its summer intensity and returns to something softer: golden afternoons, unhurried piazzas and the luxury of sightseeing without peak-season crowds.
This is the time for lingering over espresso near the Pantheon, wandering through Trastevere’s cobbled streets, or watching the light change over the Forum at dusk. The city feels cinematic — but calmer.
Stay: Hassler Roma
Crowning the top of the Spanish Steps, Hassler Roma remains one of the capital’s most iconic addresses. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, the five-star landmark has long drawn royalty, film stars and style icons — from Princess Diana to Audrey Hepburn during the filming of Roman Holiday.
Rooms and suites feel classically Roman, many with private terraces overlooking the city’s terracotta rooftops. After a day exploring, guests retreat to Michelin-starred dining at Imàgo, sunset aperitivos overlooking the Steps, and panoramic rooftop views that place the entire Eternal City at your feet.
Rates: From €1,300 per night
Saint-Tropez, France
Approx. 2h flight to Nice, followed by 1.5h transfer
Before the yachts arrive and the beach clubs hum at full volume, Saint-Tropez in March is something else entirely: discreet, quietly glamorous and beautifully unhurried.
Temperatures sit around 15°C, the Mediterranean light is crisp and bright, and long lunches by the port feel blissfully local. It’s Riviera chic without the summer spectacle.
Stay: Airelles Pan Deï Palais
Open year-round, Airelles Pan Deï Palais is one of Saint-Tropez’s most romantic hidden addresses. Built in 1835 by General Jean-François Allard in honour of Princess Bannu Pan Deï, whom he met during exile in India, the property still carries a sense of intimate heritage.
With just 12 rooms, the Indo-Provençal palace feels more like a private residence than a hotel. Rich fabrics, romantic detailing and hushed courtyards create a discreet retreat in the heart of town.
Guests enjoy complimentary Rolls-Royce Cullinan transfers to sister property Château de La Messardière, where access includes the Valmont Spa, fitness centre, Jardin Tropézina beach club and its restaurants — offering the best of Saint-Tropez with complete privacy.
Rates: From €2,200 per night in a Superior Room, including gourmet breakfast, Château access and beach club privileges
Algarve, Portugal
Approx. 2h 50m flight to Faro
For those craving sunshine rather than city culture, the Algarve delivers an early taste of summer. March highs average 19°C, with generous blue skies and far fewer visitors than peak season.
It’s ideal for cliff-top hikes along dramatic Atlantic coastlines, leisurely rounds of golf, and long ocean-view lunches without the usual waiting lists.
Stay: Vila Vita Parc
A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, Vila Vita Parc is set within 54 acres of lush subtropical gardens overlooking the Algarve coastline.
The resort blends Moorish-influenced architecture with direct access to a secluded beach, offering both seclusion and scale. Guests can tailor their stay — from yoga sessions and padel courts to coastal e-biking and afternoons at the beach club.
Dining is a highlight, with a dozen restaurants and bars including the two-Michelin-starred Ocean. Add to that the Vila Vita Spa by Sisley Paris, seven pools, Portugal’s largest private wine cellar, a private yacht and even a helipad, and it becomes clear this is more than a hotel — it’s a destination in its own right.
Rates: Doubles from £640 per night
The Art of the Short Escape
What makes these destinations particularly appealing in March isn’t just the weather — it’s timing.
Before the summer rush, Europe feels spacious. Reservations are easier to secure, museums feel breathable, coastal walks uninterrupted. Luxury is less about exclusivity and more about ease.
For Londoners seeking a reset without the commitment of long-haul travel, these under-three-hour escapes deliver exactly what spring demands: light, warmth and a shift in perspective.
Sometimes, all it takes is a weekend.
Crave Magazine is proud to be a leading lifestyle magazine in the UK, inspiring modern living.